The French air force has successfully carried out the first interception
of a theater ballistic missile-type threat on November 14 thanks to the
sensors and systems deployed by DGA at its Biscarrosse missile range.

DGA had carried out the first engagement of a similar threat in October 2010.

This firing of an Aster 30 missile from a Système Sol-Air Moyenne Portée
Terrestre (surface-to-air, medium-range ground-based air-defence
system, or SAMP/T) operated by the air force trials wing, CEAM, is a
major milestone for the French air force’s air-defence capabilities.

This successful firing complements a previous one, in September, when
the “Servance” air-defence squadron deployed at Luxeuil-les-Bains (air
base n° 116) intercepted a target representative of a conventional
threat (i.e., an attacking aircraft).

The SAMP/T is a French-Italian system – the first one in Europe –
capable of such performance. Christened Mamba in French air force
service, the system will allow the French air force, by the summer of
2012, to assume full responsibility for the air defence of French forces
deployed overseas.

It will also be used to defend high-value targets on French territory.

According to the current program, DGA is to deliver ten SAMP/T systems to the French air force.